Tønsberg

Tønsberg is a town and municipality in Vestfold og Telemark county, Norway, located on the western shore of the Oslofjord. It is the oldest town in Norway, traditionally founded as a kaupstad (market town) during the Viking Age, with origins commonly dated to around the 9th century. The town developed as a regional trading center and harbour, earning a long-standing role in Norwegian commercial and political life.

Historically, Tønsberg has been an important center in southern Vestfold. The Slottsfjell hill near the town center contains the remains of a medieval fortress and has long been associated with the area’s religious and administrative history. The historic waterfront and preserved wooden houses in the old town center attract visitors, and the city hosts cultural events such as the Slottsfjell Festival, a prominent music festival held annually.

In 2018, the municipality of Nøtterøy was merged into Tønsberg, expanding its urban area to include the island community and surrounding rural districts. The municipality lies within Vestfold og Telemark county, which was formed in 2020 through a regional reform. The combined area encompasses both the urban center and outlying countryside.

Economy and transport revolve around services, retail, and light industry, with the harbour continuing to support fishing and commercial activity. Tønsberg is connected by the Vestfold Line railway, providing rail access to Oslo and other towns, and is served by major road networks near the E18. The city also functions as a regional hub for culture, education, and administration in southern Vestfold.